Background The imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a rare and declining raptor species of steppes, open plains and foothills. Its last remaining stronghold in Europe outside the former Soviet Union is the Carpathian basin of Hungary and Slovakia. Therefore, the conservation of the Slovak population is crucial for the survival of the species in Europe. The main factors negatively affecting the population of the species in the Carpathian basin are habitat alterations; high individual mortality along migration routes; breeding failure and low public awareness of the species’ conservation status and of possible means of reducing harmful activities. Objectives The project seeked to improve conditions for the endangered imperial eagle in Slovakia, in close co-operation with a similar, already on-going LIFE project in Hungary. Satellite and radio-tracking data and DNA fingerprinting analysis were to provide a better understanding of the species. The effects of changing land use practices were to be evaluated, and habitat management guidelines prepared by the Hungarian LIFE project adapted to conditions in Slovakia. The most important field action was the insulation of almost 400 km of power lines, as electrocution has proved to be the main cause of death among young birds. The construction of artificial nests, the reconstruction of unstable nests and surveillance of critical breeding sites, combined with the establishment of protected zones around the nests, should increase breeding success. The souslik Spermatophilus citellus, the eagle’s main prey, was to be re-introduced to selected areas to improve living conditions for the raptor. Finally, formulating proposals for SPA designation, the promotion of conservation-oriented agri-environment schemes and an intensive lobbying towards stakeholders and general public were to be undertaken in a bid to ensure suitable habitats long-term for the imperial eagle. Results In total 18 actions were carried out within the framework of this project. Apart from two actions concerning project management and one action on facilitating cooperation with Hungarian and Spanish LIFE-projects, all of them were species conservation measures. Most notable are the following measures and their results: Management guidelines on the conservation of the Imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) were produced and represent the most comprehensive single species guidelines ever compiled in Slovakia, with great potential for application in conservation management of other species. The ZSE (West Slovak Utility Company) became a direct project partner with a financial contribution of €52 600. A long-term strategy document on making power lines less hazardous for the eagles was signed between the VSE (East Slovak Power Utility Comp.) and the SNC (State Nature Conservation), a declaration on co-operation was signed between the SSE (Central Slovak Power Utility Comp) and the SNC and an agreement on information exchange was signed between the ZSE and SNC. Good practice guidelines on reintroducing susliks (Spermophilus citellus) were prepared and these were provided to Hungarian colleagues implementing the Falco cherrug LIFE project (LIFE06 NAT/H/000096). Altogether 867 susliks were reintroduced on four different sites. Five sites were designated by the government as SPAs for the Imperial Eagle (Horná Orava, Malé Karpaty, Lehnice, Sysľovské polia and Dolné Považie). The beneficiary was closely involved in the designation of these areas and recommendations and comments were incorporated into the final version of the SPA designation documents. 851 km of power lines were insulated within the Imperial Eagles’ habitat, more than twice the length originally foreseen. Nation-wide monitoring of birds being electrocuted by power lines was carried out in April 2005 and the Slovak Law of Nature Protection was amended to provide protection again this in future. All known and potential breeding territories in Slovakia (ca 17 148 km2) were verified between 2004-2007. Monitoring was also carried out in 2007, for one year longer than planned. During the project, the known population increased by 11 breeding pairs (from 34 pairs in 2003 to 45 in 2007). The coordinated approach to the protection and monitoring of the potential breeding areas resulted in 13 new territories. 181 chicks were ringed and 114 chicks were micro-chipped. Altogether 127 protected zones around active nests were established between 2004 and 2007, in coopeation with the relevant local authorities. The protection of 10 nests was also negotiated directly with land owners or users. In the case of three nests located in the Malé Karpaty SPA (designated in 2005), the protected zones around the nests and the restriction of certain human activities will be applicable until 2011 (not just one year as usual) by specific decree of the local authority. It is the first time in Slovakia that such a long-term decree for the Imperial Eagle was negotiated. From 2004 until 2006 three nests were guarded each year using industrial TVs and GSM systems. Five satellite transmitters were also successfully fixed on 5 juvenile eagles in July 2005 and radio transmitters on 2 other birds. These allow for the collection of very valuable data on species behaviour, migration and habitat preferences. 45 artificial nests were built and installed on suitable sites in western and southern Slovakia and eight natural nests were reconstructed. DNA fingerprinting analysis was carried out based on blood samples from 125 chicks. The completed database of the Imperial Eagle’s DNA has been made available to the CITES office and the Slovak Inspectorate of the Environment, where it will be used in cases of nest robbery or confiscation of illegally kept birds. To promote awaress of the project, postcards, stickers, leaflets and T-shirts were produced and distributed. An exhibition “Eagle – No crown and still the King” was also prepared and successfully displayed at 11 locations during the project. A short film “Returning the Crown” was broadcast on two national TV channels and at eleven film festivals. Three press conferences with topics such as bird crime, discussions on the exhibition and issues relating to the ‘pylons of death’ were organised. 32 press releases, 61 newspaper and magazine articles and 108 articles on the internet were produced along with 26 television and 20 radio reports. There was intensive networking (cooperation and information exchange) with MME-BirdLife Hungary and the Hungarian project Aquila heliaca LIFE projects (LIFE02 NAT/H/008627). A failure of the project was the attempt to capture adult birds. Based on experiences using telemetry on other species the beneficiary expected to gather valuable data. However, despite a combined effort between Slovak and Hungarian bird of prey experts the attempt was unsuccessful. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).